[txsgasman]

What’s the most effective way to use the search bar for Simulations?

[Mamabear]

First I tried to do a more detailed search by searching for phrases within the question. I was able to find some answers word for word. If that didn't work I would find the section that pertained to the topic and do a “search within” to narrow down the areas to look at. I had to skim through a lot of AL to get to some answers, but others I could find right away. Using the AL during your review is very helpful because you can get to the point where you read a question and know right away which section you'll find the answer in. The more familiar you are with the material the easier it is.

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[Last Chance CPA]

@Mamabear – Is that how you bumped your score from 69 to 87? I am on attempt #5 and looking for a miracle before FAR expires. Half the people on here say they couldn't use the AL during REG because of time.

@txsgasman – The search and search within never worked for me for REG. For AUD, I found 2 answers word-for-word. Apparently, you can have such luck with REG as well.

This is how I plan to spend my time on this exam…

Test 1 – 35 min

Test 2 – 30 min

Test 3 – 25 min

SIMs w/out AL – 60 min (10 min each)

SIMs w/AL and Review – 30 min

What do you think?

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Mamabear]

Honestly I just went into the test more prepared the second time. For the first take I didn't read a book or watch lectures. I learned everything from Ninja MCQ 100% and I think I started memorizing questions and not truly understanding. For the second take on REG I read the tax portion of the Wiley book and did all the book MCQ. I stopped when it told me to stop and worked the questions. When I went through the MCQ I highlighted concepts that I didn't completely have down and went back and took notes on my highlights. After I got through the entire tax portion of the book I started on the Ninja MCQ. I went through every question once while reviewing my notes and rewriting when I didn't fully understand something. I googled for more explanation, posted questions on the REG study forum here, went through Becker flashcards that someone had given me, etc. I attempted all the Ninja SIMS and made notes on the ones I got wrong. During the first attempt I would get frustrated on what I didn't know and work more on what I did know to build up my confidence. On the second attempt I did everything possible to make sure I understood the stuff I didn't know and I didn't have the mindset of “well it's only a small part of the test” or “I get the general concept so I should be good.” I focused on my weak areas while still reviewing my strong areas. I was just generally more prepared. When I got to the SIMS on the actual exam I typically knew enough of the material to be able to go straight to the corresponding section in the AL. I wasn't that prepared on the first attempt and spent a lot of time searching around the AL and reading stuff that proved to have nothing to do with the question I was trying to answer. I found more word for word answers in AUD AL, but the AL helped with REG too. I had a different approach than you though. I used the AL during my entire SIMS section and didn't focus on trying to answer things without the AL first, but used the AL to make sure I was on the correct path with my answers as I was going through each SIM. I hope that info helps. Good luck!!

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[txsgasman]

Thank y'all for the great advice!!! I hope you pass REG this time @Mamabear

[Author]

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